In this context, it is almost disappointing that the UN’sSustainable Development Goal 7 calls on us only to “by 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.” This “substantial increase” is already on its way and inevitable. The question for planet and humanity alike is whether this transformation will deliver energy access to all - and whether the switch to 100% renewable energy will be fast enough to preventdangerous climate change.

Renewable energy can certainly meet the world’s energy needs. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently confirmed that the technical potential ismuch higher than global energy demand. Many countries, such as Denmark, but also communities, regions, and megacities are already committed to making 100% renewables a reality.

Sydney, the most populated city in Australia, will switch to 100% renewable energy in electricity, heating, and cooling by 2030. Reykjavik has achieved a similar goal already. Even leading businesses like Ikea, Mars, Philips, or Swiss Re are campaigning to ensure that by 2020,100 of the world's largest companies will run on 100% renewable power.

Dharnai, a solar-powered village in India, has shown how we can make this renewables boom deliver for all - including the rural poor. Dharnai is located in Bihar, one of the poorest provinces in India. The village faces extreme poverty, deep caste divisions, and very high illiteracy rates. But life in Dharnai has been transformed in the 10 months since anaffordable solar energy grid arrived. Dharnai is the first village in India where all aspects of life are powered by solar. The 100 kilowatt (kW) system powers the 450 homes of the 2,400 residents, 50 commercial operations, two schools, a training center, and a health care facility. A battery backup ensures power is available around the clock.

Solar-powered lighting means children can now go out and play after school and finish their homework after sunset. Women feel safer venturing out after dark. The arrival of solar water pumps has brought new hope to many farmers for improving access to fresh water resources. With solar energy, more villagers have further been able to recharge their mobile phones regularly, so the solar grid has also opened up Dharnai to the world of the internet.

This is just the beginning. Improvements in thequality of life of Dharnai's residents have become the talk of neighboring villages that are eager to understand and replicate the Dharnai model. India has 80,000 villages that still need solar micro-grids.

And the story of Dharnai goes well beyond India. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide live without electricity. For them, the Dharnai solar-powered micro-grid could be a game-changer, a model for bringing clean reliable energy to all.

The switch to renewables can deliver for people in industrialized countries as well. For example, whileGreece’s debt crisis has received worldwide attention, few are aware that energy poverty is one of the most dramatic symptoms of the Greek recession: six out of every 10 households are struggling to pay their energy bills.

From Dharnai to Greece, there is no question that all over the world, people and the planet will benefit if Sustainable Development Goal 7 is implemented in a truly ambitious manner. The world of energy is transforming fast and a real energy revolution is within our grasp. Governments must follow up the many fine words that will be spoken at theUN Sustainable Development Summit with actions that put our world on the path to 100% renewables by 2050.

Introducing myself, Daniel Mittler

I am the Political Director of Greenpeace International, heading their Political and Business Unit. I am leading a global team of specialists working on issues ranging from protecting the High Seas to disrupting dirty business models and toxic trade deals. We are responsible for internal strategy advice to campaigns and external representation at global political and business fora. I am a member of the Global Program management team and from September 2014 to June 2015 also managed the Actions and Science Units (two of my favourite parts of Greenpeace). I have also served on the senior management team of Greenpeace’s global forest campaign and on the European Executive Committee.

From 1997-2000 I was a researcher at the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London. I was looking at achieving sustainabilty in cities; mainly because I love cities. The year before, I was living in Bonn serving my country by writing press releases for the youth-wing of Friends of the Earth Germany (BUNDjugend).

Berlin, where I have lived - with a couple of breaks (in Oxford and Amsterdam) - since 2000, is now the (other) place I call home. To be precise: Kreuzberg.

I love kayaking, reading, going to the theatre and cinema, hiking, music (I still try to play the cello) - all the usual middle class stuff. I have a way too loud laugh, but at least I manage to laugh. What really excites me is making the world at the same time a more just and greener place - and creating spaces where people can get active. So, do something!